January 20, 2020

Meet Kathryn Namrow of k.forddesigns in Clairemont

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Namrow.

Kathryn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have worked in the fashion industry for ten plus years in retail and store merchandising. I had worked as a personal stylist, manager, merchandiser, and many creative roles and from all of that, gathered so much experience and different traits I loved. Since the hours of retail really wear on you, I finally came to an end where I wanted to branch off and do something creative on my own and take everything I learned with me!

I decided to create k.forddesigns and really had no idea what it would be but that it would be me creating some magic for myself and others.

My husband works in real estate and in the military industry and he started having clients investing in properties in San Diego in which they wanted to Airbnb. Since I was just getting started, he asked me as a favor to help them out by quickly decorating their homes to get them up and running as soon as possible. Being a huge thrifter and staying within a budget, I was super excited to help out, especially since I was truly creating everything as I went and they fully trusted in me.

I started fast and the projects continued fast and I am fortunate to have a creative mother as my business partner who loves to help me. We did many runs to Home Goods, Marshalls, and GoodWill to find budget-friendly decor and I then continued with a theme to these Airbnbs to create a home away from home and Instagram-worthy experience. I am a super detail-oriented person and fell in love with finding the perfect pieces to decorate these bungalow like homes and tell their stories with a concierge-like service welcome book.

From the short-term rental decorating I have also done small events, wedding coordinating and still dabble in my fashion background by freelancing with clients to organize their closets or be there personal shopper. I am constantly getting inspired to help others and myself whether it be for the home, an event, design jobs, or even just the perfect birthday gift!

K.forddesigns continues to grow with amazing creative opportunities and I am so grateful for everyone believing in me!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My business started off smooth because I quickly gained clients which helped me figure out the direction I wanted to go but then quickly slowed down. Starting a business is not easy, especially when most of your contacts have been in Los Angeles so I had to start over here in San Diego. Luckily we have social media to really brand and market ourselves which leads to connecting with others. I still continue to figure out what I am actually doing and some days it’s right in front of me and others it’s like I’m starting over again, but it always exciting because it is something I get to call my own.

Please tell us about k.forddesigns .
My business is a creative design and interior stylist company and I specialize in short-term rentals, closet organizing, and personal styling. I am known for my budget-friendly designing, themed designs and thrifted decor to create an Instagram-worthy short-term rental experience. What sets me apart is my vintage-inspired, bohemian, and beachy designs which I do with interior design and fashion.

I am most proud of taking a chance and going full speed with doing interior design and creating some pretty amazing rentals which people seem to love!

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Some of my favorite memories from childhood come from summer trips at our beach house. I grew up in the central valley so during the summer we would rent a home over in the Cayucos/Pismo area. Our family loves to cook, listen to music, be surrounded by friends and family, and play games. Most of these summer trips consisted of Santana and Fleetwood Mac playing loud while everyone was cooking some huge feast with fresh seafood from in town. We would do big dinners, bonfires, and late-night games of cards or charades. Great memories.

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